The origin and development of Dunhuang Dance: From Mei Lanfang to Flower Rains Along the Silk Road

Shi Min, Professor at the Chinese Classical Dance Department and Director of the Dunhuang Dance Culture Research Center at the Beijing Dance Academy, traces the historical roots of Dunhuang dance — from its early stage inspirations to the landmark 1979 production Flower Rains Along the Silk Road, a work that reshaped the trajectory of the genre.

Emerging from the Dunhuang murals, Dunhuang Dance represents a collective endeavor that bridges ancient and modern wisdom, transforming fine traditional Chinese culture into a living artistic expression for contemporary audiences.